Infant Protection Day, celebrated every year on 7 November, is an event designed for the protection and well-being of our society’s youngest citizens. This day brings attention to the difficulties infants face and the measures that can be taken to ensure their safety and good health. Infants are children under 1 year of age. As the day is around the corner, it is important to enhance your understanding and knowledge of this day. Speaking of which, in this blog, you will read all about Infant Protection Day, its history, significance, and more crucial information. If this topic interests you, make sure to read till the end!
Table of Contents
Infant Protection Day History
Every year on 7 November, we celebrate Infant Protection Day. It is a day set aside to increase public awareness of maintaining the health of babies. Although this day doesn’t have a unique historical significance.
The commemoration most likely came about as a result of continuous international initiatives to address problems with maternal care, newborn health, and child mortality. Infant Protection Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of the problems that babies face all throughout the world.
On this day, a variety of organisations and medical professionals plan activities and campaigns to raise awareness of baby safety and best practices that can be done for young patients.
The day serves as a reminder of the need to give newborns a secure and caring environment in addition to the relevance of healthcare, immunisations, and proper diet in maintaining their well-being.
Infant Protection Day Theme
There is no specific theme for the Infant Protection Day celebration. However, the primary focus remains the same every year. It aims to reduce infant mortality rates and child mortality rates across the globe.
Also Read: International Day of Families
Infant Protection Day Significance
Every year on 7th November, Infant Protection Day is considered a crucial occasion to raise awareness of the vital problem of baby safety and wellbeing. Here are some salient features of its importance:
- Infant Protection Day is observed to raise public awareness of the challenges faced by babies. It highlights how important it is to protect and take care of infants, emphasising that every child should grow up in a safe environment.
- Infant Protection Day provides the knowledge and resources parents and other carers need to support a newborn. It teaches people how to look for sickness, support healthy growth in young children, and avoid any form of injury.
- Many organisations hold events and campaigns on Infant Protection Day to promote conversations about this issue and the welfare of young children. These initiatives promote teamwork in the upbringing of newborns.
- Lowering the infant mortality rate is one of the main objectives of Infant Protection Day. It helps to reduce infant mortality by teaching communities, parents, and carers about the best practices that can be followed for caring for infants.
- The day serves as a reminder of the importance of healthcare, immunisations, and a healthy diet in maintaining an infant’s health and well-being. It motivates parents and other adults to place a high priority on their newborns’ health from birth.
Also Read: Early Childhood Education
What Measures Has the Government Taken?
Under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), here are the top 5 measures that the government has taken to reduce the infant mortality rate:
- Home Based New Born Care (HBNC) through ASHAs with several home visits.
- Mother and Child Protection Card which works with the Ministry of Women and Child Development to monitor service delivery for mothers and children.
- Navjaat Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (NSSK), is a programme for training healthcare providers on essential newborn care and resuscitation.
- Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), an introduction of child health screening for 4Ds i.e. defects at birth, deficiencies, diseases, development delays and their management among children from 0-18 years of age.
- Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illness (IMNCI) and Facility Based Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illnesses (F-IMNCI).
How to Celebrate Infant Protection Day 2024
It is very important for parents to take care of their children, especially if they are infants. Here are some tips which will help parents to be more mindful of their young infants.
- Make sure the infant sleeps on his/her back in a cot without any soft toys or bedding and with a solid mattress. This lowers the possibility of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
- Make sure the infant gets all immunisations on time so as to shield him from infections that can be avoided.
- Install safety gates, cover electrical outlets, and secure furniture to help prevent mishaps as your baby grows and becomes mobile.
- As your child grows and gains mobility, put safety gates in place, cover electrical outlets, and securely fasten furniture to help avoid accidents.
- Finally, as a parent, follow your instincts as every baby is different. Speak with a medical expert if you have any worries or inquiries regarding the health or development of your infant.
Interesting Reads
FAQs
A1. This day is observed to raise awareness of the steps that must be taken to save the lives of newborns and to give them adequate care and protection.
A2. Giving infants a secure sleeping area, such as their own cot with a flat, hard surface.
Vaccinating children against diseases that can be avoided.
Providing them with a nutritious diet.
Keeping constant careful observation over them.
Keeping children clear of dangers.
A3. Here are some ways through which one can protect their infants in the community:
Report a newborn to the authorities if you witness one that is in danger.
Support programs that offer newborns and their families prenatal care, parenting classes etc.
Promote laws that enhance the security and welfare of newborns.
We hope this blog provides you with all the relevant information about Infant Protection Day. Keep reading our trending events blogs on Leverage Edu to stay informed about the news and important days in the world of education!